Project improves safety, traffic flow in time for holiday season along corridor

HANOVER (Friday, November 2, 2012) – Today, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey joined local officials and business leaders to celebrate the completion of the Route 53 bridge replacement project over Route 3 in the Town of Hanover.
“This has been a long time coming and I appreciate the patience of all road-way users, our customers,” said Secretary Davey. “This bridge replacement project and the support here today reinforces the fact that our roads and bridges do contribute to the economic vitality and quality of life in our communities.”
“As shoppers and residents pass over this bridge this holiday season, they are crossing a bridge that is structurally sound and will last us 75 to 100 years,” said MassDOT Highway Administrator Frank DePaola.
The $8.1 million effort started in 2009; however, motorists have faced restrictions on the bridge since 2004 when the initial bridge repair contract began. The project was stopped, re-designed, permitted and sent back out to bid as a full bridge replacement when significant substructure and superstructure deterioration was found during those initial repairs.
“This was a long awaited, major undertaking that we are all so pleased to have completed. It will be a great improvement to the residents of Hanover, surrounding communities, the area businesses, and all those who use and traverse this important roadway. I compliment the engineers, contractors, state and local agencies, and all those who brought this to fruition,” said Senator Tom Kennedy.
“It is wonderful to see the overpass construction come to a finish," said Representative Rhonda L. Nyman. “The final product will help mitigate traffic issues and improve access to local businesses.”
“The Town of Hanover is excited that the long awaited completion of the Route 53 Bridge has arrived, and welcomes the opening for the convenience and safety of our residents and visitors to our partners at the Hanover Mall. We understand the critical need to have a bridge that was completed safely rather than quickly and appreciate the cooperation and communication from MassDOT, particularly Highway Administrator Frank DePaola,” said Hanover Town Manager Troy Clarkson. “Frank’s attention to customer service has been outstanding and a credit to the MassDOT team.”
For transportation news and updates visit MassDOT at our website: www.mass.gov/massdot, blog: www.mass.gov/blog/transportation, or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot and Facebook at www.facebook.com/massdotinfo.
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